Almost a decade ago I created the FREE Caribbean Surname Index while doing my own search (LYNCH, in Barbados) and running out of options when I hit my "brick wall" at 1804. I had found something of a similar name created and maintained by a lawyer in the US, but it stagnated and he had neither the time nor the equipment to refresh it. So I started the same kind of text list and called it the Caribbean Surname Index - name and email, with a short list of surnames oif interest. I quickly realised that this was a magnet for the SPAM harvesters, and after about two years very few of the original entries were still using the same email address. So I created another Caribbean Surname Index out of Discussion Forum software, and as a part-time (qualified) programmer and webmaster I adapted it to the purpose. In time I have moved from the SPAM-easy automatic regtistration to strictly controlled ability to Post, removing all access to email addresses (even for registered users), and imposing a limit of one calendar month for new users to make at least one Post - or be deleted from the registration database (I also update that on a daily basis). The Index is arranged by alphabetical surname order, plus a Roll Call feature (full list of surnames only), and is fully searchable. If someone responds to your Post/s or sends you a PM (Private Message), the Index sends you an email - it is a "set and forget' feature, but of course it would be more productive if you visited and searched again for your information occasionally... maybe someone you are looking for has registered and posted their info without looking for you. With the exception of SPAM, objectionable material and advertising, registered users may Post and Reply to Posts on all Boards with any range of subjects, but please maintain civility and try to keep to topic )Caribbean genealogy). Included are Boards on a range of subjects, including specific exceptions to the usual search routines and record locations, and the latest excitement in genealogy tools - DNA testing and information. Among the other Boards there are general discussion, useful links, living histories, researcher listings (we are always looking for more researchers!), database software reviews and reunion planning. Suggestions for additional Boards with relevance and/or interest will always be considered. This Index is maintenance-intensive... every day of life I review every new Post for content - email addresses and SPAM are not allowed - and my only return on investment is to see the success of many of my users in attracting replies from far and wide, hearing from relatives long disconnected from their roots. Some of my users also hear from friends of their own and of their families, which allows further elaboration about other friends and family members on the usual journalistic questions: Who, Where, What, Why, and When. The current Caribbean Surname Index has 599 registered users, who have made a total of 1665 Posts. Use if the Index is free... and there is no intention to ever charge for use of the resource. Registration is manual, not automatic, and can take up to 24 hours to be implemented... you get an email from the Index (which you should keep) advising your final username and password, and the fact that you are able to start using the Index. Registration information page and link is here... http://www.candoo.com/surnames/viewtopic.php?t=1090 The Caribbean Surname Index is here... http://www.candoo.com/surnames/index.php Everything to gain and nothing to lose... if you have Caribbean connections, register and Post your family information! Ummm, did I happen to mention the Caribbean Surname Index is FREE?